King’s Lynn Foodbank moves to temporary premises

King’s Lynn Foodbank, which in January had its busiest month to date, is up and running in its new temporary distribution centre, having moved to the Purfleet Trust after over two years operating from the Red Cross building.

This week King’s Lynn Foodbank has moved back to the Purfleet Trust where it was originally based until it moved to the Red Cross building in 2015. They will continue to search for a more permanent premises for their distribution centre close to the town centre with at least 200ft2 to store food, space to distribute food, disability access and facilities to prepare hot drinks and food.

The move comes at a time when the charity is encountering more demand than ever. King’s Lynn Foodbank fed 430 people in January 2018, which is the charity’s busiest month since opening in 2011.

2017 was its busiest year to date – the Foodbank fed 4,322 people, which was a 16% rise on 2016, including nearly 1,500 children. The figures show that the Foodbank is now being used by more families and single parents. Benefit delays and changes accounted for 43% of vouchers issued, with low income (such as zero hour contracts) accounting for 29% - a significant increase from 2016.

The number of vouchers given to homeless people was 190 in 2017, a significant increase on previous years.

Foodbank Trustee Andy King said: “We’ve been so grateful to the support of the British Red Cross over the past couple of years, and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Purfleet Trust again. We want to thank everyone who helped move us across town, especially Enterprise rent-a-car for their help!

“We’re still on the look-out for a good, affordable property in a central location where people can receive a friendly welcome, food, and assistance with managing their situation. We’re happy to consider sharing the building with others who share our vision.”

If you have an empty premises or space within an existing premises that you would be willing to consider letting the Foodbank use, then please contact 07582 558143 or via maarten@kingslynn.foodbank.org.uk.